Community Policing

Watertown Police Release Statement About George Floyd’s Death

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Watertown Police Station

The men and women of the Watertown Police Department are deeply disturbed by the death of Mr. George Floyd.  We share the public’s outrage and disappointment, and will not let the actions of a few officers tear away the trust we share with our great community. 

Please see Chief Lawn’s response to emails he received concerning this horrific incident. Good Afternoon-

The men and women of the Watertown Police Department are deeply disturbed by the actions of those police officers in Minneapolis. I personally was sick to my stomach watching that video. I am very proud of the work that the men and women of the WPD do every day. We should not be judged or painted with the same brush by incidents that occur in other states.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Emphasizing Building Relationships in Community

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When Watertown Police officers are on patrol, Police Chief Michael Lawn wants them to get to know the people in town and form relationships in the areas where they patrol. 

This is part of the Watertown Police Department’s emphasis on community policing, Lawn to the Town Council at Saturday’s budget hearing. “I tell them, I want you to get out of your car and talk to people,” Lawn said. “You are not starting a new program or making speeches, but talk to people.” As one example, he pointed to Sgt. John MacLellan, who one afternoon bought a bunch of big lollipops and gave them to a group of kids in East Watertown.

Police/Fire

Mountain Bikes, Youth Sports Part of Watertown’s Community Policing Efforts

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New Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn used to ride a mountain bike around town when he was a community police officer, and he has plans to bring the program back. 

This is one of part of the effort by the Watertown Police Department to make better connections with residents, Lawn told the Town Council on Saturday during his budget hearing. The mountain bike program is an effort to get police out of their patrol cars and interact with the public, said Lawn, who used to ride one himself in the 1990s. “I was assigned to Coolidge Square and I used to park my bike next to Dunkin’ Donuts and people come up and talk to you,” Lawn said. He examined a few bicycles and picked one that has an electric motor that can be used in case the officer has to get somewhere fast. “You still have to pedal, it’s not like a moped,” Lawn said.

Around Town

Watertown Police Lieutenant to Speak About Community Policing

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The public is invited to hear from the Watertown Police about community policing and challenges facing the police department. World in Watertown sent out the following information:

At the February 4 World in Watertown Meeting, Lt. Daniel Unsworth, head of the Community and Staff Development Division, Watertown Police Department, will talk about his role in community policing and the challenges the police department faces in a community like Watertown. This will be an informal discussion, so bring your questions. The World in Watertown meets at First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, the first Thursday every month, from 7:15-9 p.m. For more information, call 617-926-7814.